In the changing sports landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, young women athletes are no longer standing on the sidelines. They are now leading from the front, creating success stories and matching performances with athletes from across India.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Over the past few years, sports activities in the Union Territory — from cricket to indoor and outdoor games — have grown steadily. Young female athletes, in particular, are now proudly representing India at national competitions.
Baramulla Cyclists Impress at National Event
In a recent achievement, a group of young women cyclists from Baramulla district in north Kashmir delivered strong performances at a national-level event, proving that the gap between male and female athletes is rapidly disappearing.
The cyclists took part in the Khelo India Asmita Women’s League, held in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
According to a sports official, the team included:
- Ulfat Mushtaq
- Mehak Mushtaq
- Sofia Hilal
- Sobiya Manzoor
- Hoor-i-ein Lone
Individual Performances
- Ulfat Mushtaq secured 10th position in the 30 km Time Trial and 11th position in the 60 km Mass Start.
- Mehak Mushtaq finished 12th in the 30 km Time Trial and showed great determination by securing 13th place in the 60 km Mass Start despite suffering a crash.
- Sofia Hilal and Sobiya Manzoor delivered standout performances, finishing 7th and 8th, respectively.
- Hoor-i-ein Lone added to the team’s success with a 16th-place finish.
Historic First for J&K Women’s Cycling
Officials said this was the first-ever participation of a Jammu and Kashmir women’s cycling team in the Khelo India Asmita League. All the riders proudly represented District Baramulla, making the achievement even more special.
Sports officials described this progress as a very positive sign, showing how organised sports are shaping young lives and inspiring others across the Union Territory.
Government Support for Athletes
The sports department, officials said, is working to:
- Create better sports facilities
- Provide more competitive platforms
- Help athletes represent Kashmir at national and international levels
Authorities believe that continued investment and exposure will help more young athletes succeed.
Plans for New Sports Infrastructure
In a related development, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a major push to strengthen sports infrastructure across the Union Territory.
This followed a high-level meeting between J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma and Rohan Jaitley, Chairman of the BCCI Infrastructure Committee and President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association.
The discussions focused on building new cricket stadiums in Jammu and Kashmir to support young talent and promote a strong sports culture.
Vision Beyond Sports
Minister Sharma highlighted the immense sporting talent in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for world-class facilities. He said the proposed stadiums could also allow the region to host national and international cricket matches.
He further pointed out J&K’s potential in areas such as:
- Start-ups
- Handicrafts
- Tourism
- IT-enabled services
- Agri-based industries
Referring to youth-focused platforms like the Viksit Bharat Dialogue, Sharma said such initiatives are vital for achieving an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, ensuring inclusive growth across all regions.
The achievements of young women cyclists from Baramulla, combined with growing government support, reflect a new and confident chapter for sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
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